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Jan 4, 1018
Knights Templars founded
A Western Christian military order formed to protect pilgrms going to Jerusalem. -
Feb 25, 1054
The Great Schism
A lasting split between the Churches of the East and West. Many issues led to the break including the role of the pope and how to describe the Holy Spirit in the Creed.
The Church of the West became known as the Church of Rome.
The Churches of the East became known as the Orthodox Churches. -
Apr 22, 1073
Pope Gregory VII elected
Gregory VII was a reforming Pope amongst his reforms was that:
The College of Cardinals would elect the Pope
Papal authority and its limitations was defined. -
Mar 8, 1099
The First Crusade
The Crusades had two goals
1. To rescue the Christians of the East.
2. The liberation of Jerusalem
Jerusalem the Holy City of Jesus' death and resurrection was taken back from the Muslims in the first (and only successful) Crusade.
Establishe a pattern of crusades to make unbelievers Christian -
Apr 1, 1139
Second Lateran Council
The 10th council of the universal Church made many decisions about how the Church would be organised including:
* That clerics (priests) could not be married.
* Regulation of cleric dress -
Nov 16, 1209
Franciscans Founded
Founded by St Frances of Assisi this was a new order of religious.
Friars did not live in monestaries but relied on the goodwill of the people for food and shelter.
They travelled around the country supporting people and preaching to them. -
Nov 19, 1215
Fourth Lateran Council
The 12th Ecumenical Council if oftern called the General Lateran Counci because of the large number of delegates that attended. Important decisions made included:
* Transubstantiation was defined
* Primacy of the Papacy agreed
* Guidelines were set for the conduct of the clergy
* The need to go to confession at least once a year
* Required Muslims and Jews to wear distinguishing dress -
Jul 25, 1216
Dominicans established
Founded by St Dominic the Order of Preachers was a religious institute. Priests of the institute were well educated and organised. They lived in community but went out to preach the Word of God to people who had little contact with the Church. -
Jul 25, 1307
Babylonian Captivity
The Holy Roman Emperor and the Papacy disagreed as to who was to lead Christiandom in secular matters.
The Pope fled to safety in Avignon because it was not safe in Rome. -
Jul 25, 1337
The 100 year war begins
The conflict was not continueous and actually lasted 116 years
At the conclusion the nationhood of France and England were established -
Jul 25, 1347
Black Plague
A serious strain of the Black Plague occured throughout Europe. In a year 20 - 40 % of the population died.
A priest shortage developed because of the high death rate amongst priests trying to help and give the sacraments to sufferers.
People became very suspicious and fearful. -
Jul 25, 1378
The Western Schism
Different nations wanted to elect the Pope.
Three men were 'elected' Pope at the same time.
Political issues rather than theological issues divided those electing and supporting rival Popes. -
Nov 16, 1417
The Council of Constance
The 15th Ecumenical Cpuncil.
Resolved the Western schism and elected one agreed Pope.
Affirmed the important status of the Ecumenical Councils as authoritive bodies in the Church.
Sorted out some political issues regarding land also. -
Jul 25, 1439
Guttenberg Press
Guttenberg invents the first movable type printing press.
The Bible could therefore be quickly produced rather than handwritten. This made it more accessable.
People who disagreed wtih the government or the Church could distribute thier ideas through print. -
Division of Charlemagne's Empire
The beginning of the deline of the Holy Roman Empire's influence.
The Holy Roman Empire and France become separate states. -
Foundation of Cluny Abby
Reform of monastic life begins with the rise of Benedictine influence.
Veneration of the King as patron of the Church starts.
Civil society becomes relatively stable. -
Roman Emperor deposes Pope
The Roman Emperor deposes Pole John XII and replaces him with Leo VIII.
The citixens of Rome promise that they will not elect a Pope with out the Emperor's approval. -
Period: to Dec 31, 1450
The Church's Story the Middle Ages
This timeline starts with the reorganisation of Christendom into imperial systems that began with the coronation of Charlemagne on Christmas Day 800 as Emperor of the Roman by Pope Leo III.
